"I'm going to grind and finish 2025 and get everything done that I listed on my resolutions last January." How many times have I heard that - how many times have I thought that? And it's a trap.
The promise and hope of Christmas is so often covered up by the distractions and chaos of a turbulent world and the crazy, well-meaning attempt to finish everything you started by the end of December. The daily grind can exhaust us, and you won't get it all done. There's always more.
Jesus came as the Prince of Peace, not the prince of panic.
Jesus won the victory between the two kingdoms at war in this world. The nature of each is that Jesus is always for you—he’s your savior, healer, friend, and Lord. The enemy, Satan, is always against you—he is always a liar, vulgar, and negative.
You are in a fight for your heart. When your heart is right, everything becomes clearer. Jesus came to clear the chaos.
So don't use the last couple of weeks of December just to finish 2025 - use them to launch 2026!
Here are seven words from the Lord that are life-hacks for this season. These are action steps that will put you on target to finish strong and launch strong.
Take time to go back and read or listen to some of the most impacting words you heard or read this year. Get them back into your heart.
1. “Put on your new nature and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him.” Colossians 3:10 NLT.
2. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” John 10:10
3. “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Prov 4:23
4. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” PHIL 4:8
5. “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:11
6. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12
7. “I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.” 1 Cor. 9:27
DO THIS STUFF, not all that other stuff. Do what you know is right. Get it in your heart... and daily pray over your work, your family, and your own heart. With the intent to enjoy this season knowing that 2026 will launch strong.
Cutting away the negative receptors in your heart is the way champions are built. It's the way to enjoy your family and friends more at Christmas - and to renew the awe of the miracle of your own salvation that was given to you through this child, the Christ.
Invest in praying these scriptures every day and watch a fresh mindset develop that will bring you peace this month and energy for the launch of next year!
